Don’t Like iOS 8? You Can Downgrade To iOS 7.1.2 In A Few Easy Steps

iOS 8 is great. The operating system brings several new features and options on the table which end up making user experience more pleasurable. However, a lot of you out there might still not like iOS 8. Some might simply prefer it’s predecessor while others might be finding out that Apple’s latest software upgrade slows their device down. The latter is particularly true for iPhone 4S users.

So don’t worry. There’s a way to downgrade your device down to iOS 7.1.2 and we’re here to tell you how. Before you start making preparations for downgrading, the first step that you’re going to need to take is to backup your iOS device. This will make sure that all of your photos, apps and other data can be recovered if things go wrong.

1) Download the firmware for your iOS device.

After you’re done with your device backup, the next step that you’re going to need to take is to download the correct firmware for your device. We’ve compiled links for the different versions of the iPhone (US versions) so click on the appropriate link below to download.

If you have any other Apple device, such as the iPad then visit IPSW downloader to find the firmware for your device.

2) Restore Your Device Using iTunes.

After you’re done with downloading the correct firmware for your device, it would be best if you learnt the file’s location by heart. The next step is to open your device up in iTunes. On the summary page, next to your device information, you will see options for either upgrading or restoring your iOS device. The image below explains things nicely.

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On either the Backup Now or the Restore Backup option, shift click or option click (for Mac) to proceed. If you choose update then your data and apps will be left intact. Meanwhile, as the name suggests, the restore option will perform a complete restore on your device.

3) Select The Firmware File That You Downloaded Earlier.

After you click on the option shown above, iTunes will now ask you for the location of the firmware file that you downloaded. Open up the location of the file as shown below and click on update to proceed.

After you’ve selected the file. click on the blue update button that shows in the sub tab that opens up. Your phone will guide you with the rest of the process. Oh, and just in case you find that you actually do like iOS 8 better, then all you need to do is to upgrade via iTunes or Apple’s over the air upgrade in your device.